Cardiac Events

All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on

A year ago at this time, long-time readers might recall, I was deep in the pain cave, training for a major physical challenge. The SF Experience Fan Dance, the civilian version of the British military’s Special Forces timed march in the mountains of Wales, loomed in mid-June. By April, I was running 25 miles a week, speed hiking up grassy ski slopes wearing a heavy backpack, and doing dozens of pushups and planks to build not only my physical strength, but also my mental toughness. I worked through some nagging injuries along the way, navigated a few trips (England, Geneva, and the Channel Islands) that sidelined my training, and gave up alcohol entirely for six months. At age 54 (as of last April 15th), I was as fit as I’ve ever been. But I wasn’t happy. This year I’ve taken things a bit easier. And for good reason—I’m more content.